Algonquin wants to make more parks available for rental

By JOSEPH BUSTOS - jbustos@shawmedia.com

June 27, 2013

ALGONQUIN – With Towne Park closed as the Illinois Department of Transportation constructs the Route 31 Western Bypass, the village is looking to expand the number of parks people could rent out for events.

The village found that there was no alternative for patrons to reserve a park with adjacent athletic fields and playgrounds.

"While Towne Park is not available for rental during road construction, there was a need for an alternative rental location with similar amenities," Assistant to the Village Manager Mike Kumbera said in an email to the Northwest Herald.

The village is recommending adding pavilions at Willoughby Farms Park and Hill Climb Park, to the list of available parks for rental.

"Both parks offer access to playgrounds, open space and have ample parking," Kumbera wrote. "Additionally, Willoughby Farms Park has a charcoal grill on site. These parks compliment the other park pavilions available for rental at Cornish Park and Riverfront Park."

To reserve a park for an event costs $75 for residents, and $200 for non-residents.

In 2011, the village issued 61 rental permits for Towne Park.

The park closed in 2012 as construction on the bypass began. The village plans to reopen the park after the bypass is complete.

IDOT is building the bypass to help alleviate traffic congestion through downtown Algonquin.

Whether Willoughby Farms Park and Hill Climb Park will stay on list of available parks to be rented has yet to be determined.

"There is no intention to remove the parks from the list at this time," Kumbera wrote. "We'll continue to evaluate use and demand at these locations and make any adjustments as necessary."

The Village Board is scheduled to vote on the park recommendation at its meeting on July 2.